I got my Commercial Drivers License, and now I'm waiting for my Phase I training truck..

[denbot]

3 months ago I went to a trucking school only to be sent home the first day because I had a prescription for the sleep medication Ambien. I was told to cancel my prescription, document that I returned the remaining meds, and then re-apply to the school in 90 days.

The first time l left for Trucking School, I quit my job, sold some of my major jewelry making tools, (casting machine, kiln, vacuum table) to make up for the lost income during training. This time as the 90 day time period came, my current company ceased operations with zero notice on a Tuesday, I got home called the trucking school (Company owened by C.R. England Global Transportation) and they had another class starting the next Monday.

I finished last Friday, and I'm waiting to get the call to go on the road for Phase I training, which consists of 14k miles, at slave wages of 61 bucks a day. Phase II is 16k miles at the serf wages of .12 cents a mile, returning to a CR England Yard for testing between each phase for testing.

Then I get my own truck to run solo or team at my choice. I don't have to pay for my schooling but I committed to the company for at least 6 months to keep it tuition free. After 6 months in at the wheel I am a free man but I will stick it out if it pays market rate for at least a year before trying to find the highest wage possible.

It's going to be pretty bad for the next few months, but I am done with sales, and I can be up to 40-50k yearly in very short order, with the ability if I run like hell (which I will) to make around 70k. After the last few years of near famine conditions, I'll take it.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. Good luck, my dear denbot!

You've spent some time looking around and deciding what you want to do.........I hope you've found it!

I look forward to hearing how things work out for you!

[drm604]

2. How is the job market for truckers?

There must be a demand if they're willing to pay for your training.

Do you have to pay for your own fuel?

[Tobin S.]

4. It's good, especially if you have some experience

Many companies have over a 100% turnover rate every year, though, and that's why it's usually pretty easy to get a trucking job even when the economy isn't so hot. The reasons for the high turnover rate are: 1) Truckers failing drug tests. Carriers are required to randomly test 50% of their drivers every year for drugs and 10% for alcohol. 2) Accidents. 3) Trucking is hard and a lot of people find they can't cut it. 4) A lot of companies treat their drivers poorly. I'd say that is the biggest reason.

On edit: You usually don't have to pay for fuel unless you own the truck.

[drm604]

5. Thanks.

I know somebody who I might suggest this too (I have a job myself).

Any suggestions on how to go about finding a reputable firm that helps with the training?

[Tobin S.]

7. The companies that offer "free" training

are all pretty similar. They are known as training companies in the industry. You can do a search on the web to find such companies (try "free cdl training" as a search) or, if you have a truck stop nearby you, especially one of the large chains, you can go there and you will likely find numerous recruiting magazines that many trucking companies advertise in.

What you are looking for is the shortest commitment in time. The money is going to suck in the beginning anywhere usually, but if you can find good money with free training, jump on it.

It's been a while since I've gotten into trucking, so denbot might have a better answer for you since he's just getting in.

[Tobin S.]

3. They get that tuition from you by paying you so low for the first 3 months or so

But it can be a good short term sacrifice for poor and working class folks. And, like you said, the pay will get a lot better in the near future.

I got into trucking the same way. I went with CRST back in 1996. It was a little better deal than what you got, but I had to agree to work for them for a year instead of 6 months.

I live in Richmond, Indiana and England recently opened up a new school here. I don't know if it's also a terminal, but if you end up there for a layover or something give me a holler and I'll buy you dinner. Sounds like you might be able to use a free meal here and there. Hopefully you'll get a cool trainer who will help you out in that regard as well. I'll PM you my phone number.

I still drive a truck for a living, but I don't do that otr stuff now days- home every day with the weekends off. Being from the L.A. area you should be able to find a pretty good local gig like that after you get your year of experience, maybe sooner. It is a pain driving a truck around there, but from what I've seen some companies pay really well for it.

[rurallib]

6. Our best wishes, denbot.

I have a good feeling about this for you.

[bluesbassman]

8. Congrats denbot!

Best of luck as you move into the career!

[Worried senior]

9. Good luck to you

my son is doing the same thing you are. Last week was his first week training.

[cherokeeprogressive]

10. Hey Bro... are you still training?

I'm guessing you can't get online on the road since we haven't heard fro m you. Take some advice and spring for a mobile hotspot, or get a cell phone that acts as one. Then you can root the phone and get free wi-fi any time you have cell phone service. That's what I did.

Good luck to you! I was wondering what happened to your training. Who was your trainer? Is that guy "Sarge" still there?